Istanbul, the most populous city in Turkey, has been the epicenter of the conflict between Christians and Muslims since ancient history times. This clash is evident in the culture and architecture of today’s Istanbul. Its religious past, beautiful architecture, and delicious cuisines are just some of the reasons to visit this history-rich city. Keep reading for 12 epic must do things in Istanbul!
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Where is Istanbul?
Istanbul is strategically located on both banks of the Bosphorus Strait that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, which eventually connects to the Mediterranean Sea. But more importantly, the city is uniquely placed in both Europe and Asia. The Bosphorus Straight separates the two continents, which is why this is a prevalent place for the clashes between Christianity and Islamic religious groups.
How Did Istanbul Come to Be?
Istanbul’s long history includes the rise and falls of some of the most famous empires in the world. Greek colonists settled in the area in the 7th century BC and called the town Byzantium after King Byzas. Byzantium became part of the Roman Empire as Constantine the Great declared it the capital of the Roman Empire in the 4th century AD. The city was renamed Constantinople. In the 15th century, the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople and changed its name to Istanbul.
What Should I Know About Visiting Mosques?
- Bring a scarf or wrap to cover your shoulders. Some places require you to cover your head and some do not. I would recommend carrying a wrap with you just in case you need it.
- Mosques are closed during prayer time. There are five prayer times every day.
- You cannot wear shoes inside mosques. You can leave your shoes in cubbies outside before entering.
- Be quiet. No laughing, joke-making, talking loud, or cell phone ringing allowed inside.
- While you can take pictures and videos inside the mosques, it is disrespectful to photograph people while they are praying.
Is it Safe to Travel to Istanbul?
The hostility between Christians and Muslims is still ongoing, so make sure to check for any travel advisories for Turkey before planning your trip. I was fortunate enough to visit Istanbul during a time when tensions were calm, and I felt fairly safe while there. However, there were times where I felt a little uncomfortable like being woken up in the wee hours of the morning with Muslim prayers on loudspeakers blaring for the entire city to hear. Also, I felt uneasy when the mosques and museums were guarded by men with assault rifles. I was unprepared for those things, but now you know to expect them for your travels.
What are the Must Do Things in Istanbul?
1. Witness Ancient Religious History at Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia, originally built as a Christian church in the 6th century by the Byzantine Empire, converted to a mosque when the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople. The structure is currently a museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside the museum, you will find remnants of both Islamic and Christian artifacts.
2. Gaze at the Stunning Architecture of The Blue Mosque
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, more commonly referred to as the Blue Mosque, was constructed during the 17th century and has five main domes, six minarets, and eight secondary domes. The interior is decorated with over 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles decorated with over 20 tulip designs. The upper area emits natural light with more than 200 stained glass windows.
3. Wander the Topkapi Palace Museum
Topkapi Palace housed the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. Now it is a museum that displays collections from the Ottoman Empire.
4. Shop for Souvenirs Grand Bazaar
Spend hours shopping at one of the largest and oldest covered bazaars in the world. The Grand Bazaar contains over 4,000 shops and 60 streets. You can shop for so many local products such as mosaic glass lamps, hand-woven rugs, scarves, handmade pottery, spices, baklava, Turkish delights, and more. Be careful not to get lost in the Grand Bazaar!
5. Cruise on a Boat to See Bosphorus Bridge
Bosphorus Bridge connects Europe and Asia, and a great way to see this bridge up close is by doing a boat tour of Istanbul.
6. Marvel at the Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern, located near Hagia Sophia, is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns underneath the city of Istanbul. Cisterns are underground reservoirs that held water for public consumption. The Basilica Cistern only holds a small amount of water today to remain a tourist attraction to the public. Skip the lines by buying your ticket and guided tour early.
7. Eat Delicious Mediterranean Cuisine
From the time Istanbul was controlled by the Byzantine Empire, Greek culture and cuisine inhabited the city. Today that Mediterranean food is still prevalent in modern Turkish culture. I love Mediterranean food, and I ate kebabs and baklava every day! Make sure to try the Turkish delights too. I did not care for them, but you have to try them.
8. Imagine Chariots Racing at the Hippodrome
The Hippodrome of Constantinople was the social center and sporting arena of the times. People observed horse and chariot racing in this area, a popular pastime of the ancient world. While the Hippodrome itself no longer exists, remnants of times remain such as the Serpent Column and Obelisk of Theodosius.
9. Buy Spices and Drink Tea at Misir Carsisi (Spice Market)
The Misir Carsisi, also known as the Spice Market or the Spice Bazaar, is a great place to shop for spices and other Turkish souvenirs. If you are offered tea in a shop, it is considered rude to decline. The apple tea is delicious. Trust me, you do not want to turn it down!
10. Explore the Historical Fortress Rumeli
This medieval fortress, built on the European hills of the Bosphorus, helped the Ottomans conquer Constantinople by cutting off maritime military relief coming to aid the Byzantine city.
11. Watch Locals Weave Turkish Rugs
Turkish rugs are high-quality carpets that are hand-woven and come in bright colors. Go into the back room of a rug store to witness these brilliant carpets being made.
12. Keep a Lookout at the Galata Tower
The Galata Tower is a medieval tower that extends above the skyline and was built as a lookout for the protection of the city. The tower is now used as a tourist attraction.
Istanbul Tours that May Interest You
- 1, 2, or 3-Day Private Guided Tour
- Historic Off the Beaten Path Tour
- Tastes of Two Continents Food Tour
- Small Group Tour Best of Istanbul with Lunch
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